Silas, 18, of Peach Springs, accepted the honor at the gala held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in front of more than 700 guests in attendance including BGCS partners and supporters, community notables including Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh, State Sen. John Kavanagh, philanthropists Bob and Renee Parsons, as well as representatives of Arizona Cardinals Receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Arizona Coyotes Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Silas joined the Peach Springs Club two years ago, where she has been involved as a junior staff member and has helped to coach and run the Club’s first basketball camp. “I gained an understanding of the importance of planning activities, programs and events sometimes months in advance and the importance of community collaborations and partnerships. This experience helped to solidify my dream of earning my degree and going back home to work on the Hopi reservation,” Silas said of the Club’s impact on her future aspirations. Silas plans to attend Arizona State University in the fall to earn her degree in psychology.

“We are so proud of Kyla and all of our youth. It is amazing to see their growth during their time at the Clubs,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. “Hearing their personal stories of triumph and plans to become the next generation of leaders is what our work is all about.”

As the newly crowned Youth of the Year, Silas will represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale throughout the year, receive a $5,000 scholarship made possible by Voya Financial® and will advance on to the State Youth of the Year competition.

State finalists go on to compete in regional competitions where finalists advance to compete nationally in Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year competition.

Thousands of youth walk through our blue doors every day where programs prepare them to become 21st Century Leaders, Globally Competitive Graduates, Innovative Dream-Makers and Healthy Game-Changers.

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) serves 18,000 youth at 9 Clubs located within the communities of Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Mesa, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Hualapai Nation.

Research shows that the more time youth spend at a Boys & Girls Club, the more likely they are to feel more connected to school and have greater post-secondary aspirations. The door to our kids’ futures is often crowded by temptation and misdirection making it difficult for them to reach their full potential.

Inside our doors, youth development professionals and mentors provide guidance, support and encouragement in an enriching and safe environment. Our outcome-based programming assures that success is in reach for all kids and teens who enter our doors, no matter their circumstances.